From Wit's Cabinet, n. d.
Virgins Admonished.
PRETTY nymph, why always blushing?
If thou love'st why art thou so coy?
In thy cheeks these roses flushing
Shew thee fearful of thy joy.
What is man that thou shouldst dread
To change with him a maidenhead?
At first all virgins fear to do it
And but trifle away their time,
And still unwilling to come to it
In foolish whining spend their time;
But when they once have found the way,
Then they are for it night and day.
From Harl. MS. 7332. fol. 242.
O HOW oftentimes have I
Joyfully
Under green trees in the shade
My seat made,
Dainty birds for to hear sing
And the woods with music ring.
But the case is altered quite:
My delight
Is to hear my mistress dear
Singing clear;
That music's sweet harmony
Makes with joy my heart to die.
O how oftentimes have I
Joyfully
Seen so many pleasant flowers
After showers
Blushingly to show their pride,
As if still they should abide.
But the case is altered quite:
My delight
Is to see how prettily,
When that I
Have stol'n a kiss, she will blush
And in jest me from her push.
Adieu, then, without delay,
I do say,
Old delights, unpleasant toys;
For no joys
Ye now have which me do please
Or can comfort or can ease.